B'nai B'rith International and multinational leaders met with Pope Francis on Thursday at the Vatican.

B'nai B'rith’s was the first international Jewish audience with the pope since the Vatican announced an agreement on church issues with “the State of Palestine,” and the pope separately acknowledged non-recognition of Israel as amounting to anti-Semitism.

Before he was known around the world at Pope Francis, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio hosted B’nai B’rith’s Kristallnacht commemoration in Buenos Aires in 2012.

Learn more about the latest visit from the international media coverage recap, below:

Dear Friends,I am pleased to greet you during your visit to the Vatican. My predecessors met with delegations of B’nai B’rith International on several occasions, and today I offer you my welcome with renewed respect and affection.Your organization has enjoyed relations with the Holy See since the promulgation of the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate. This document constituted a milestone on the path of mutual knowledge and esteem between Jews and Catholics, based on the great spiritual patrimony that, thanks be to God, we share in common.Looking back on these fifty years of regular dialogue between the Catholic Church and Judaism, I cannot help but thank the Lord for the great progress that has been made. Many initiatives fostering reciprocal understanding and dialogue have been undertaken; above all a sense of mutual trust and appreciation has developed. There are many areas in which we as Jews and Christians can continue to work together for the good of the peoples of our time. Respect for life and creation, human dignity, justice and solidarity unite us for the development of society and for securing a future rich in hope for generations to come. In a particular way, we are called to pray and work together for peace. Unfortunately, there are many countries and regions of the world that live in situations of conflict – I think in particular of the Holy Land and the Middle East – and that require a courageous commitment to peace, which is not only to be longed for, but sought after and built up patiently and tenaciously by everyone, especially believers.During these moments together, I wish to recall with heartfelt gratitude all those who have fostered friendship between Jews and Catholics. I particularly want to mention Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II. Saint John saved many Jews during the Second World War, met with them numerous times, and greatly desired a conciliar document on this theme. Regarding Saint John Paul, his various historical gestures remain very much alive in our memories, such as his visit to Auschwitz and to the Great Synagogue of Rome. With the help of God, I wish to walk in their footsteps, encouraged too by the many beautiful encounters and friendships I enjoyed in Buenos Aires.May the Almighty and Eternal One bless our dialogue abundantly, especially during this year in which we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, so that our friendship may always grow deeper and bear abundant fruit for our communities and the entire human family.Thank you.

Speaking to representatives of B'nai B'rith International, a Jewish organization that sponsors cultural programs and promotes religious tolerance and international cooperation, the Pope recalled the landmark Vatican II declaration, Nostra Aetate which laid the groundwork for the Catholic Church’s relations with Jews. Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith, which also provides humanitarian aid and community service in needy areas, has a presence in more than 50 countries across the globe.B’nai B’rith monitors and combats anti-Semitism and other human rights abuses around the world, and together with its World Center in Jerusalem, advocates on behalf of the State of Israel.As a founding member of IsraAid, the World Center works with many other Israeli relief organizations to provide humanitarian aid and disaster and emergency assistance to those in need.

B’nai B’rith is also the largest national Jewish sponsor of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the United States with 42 buildings in 26 communities. Working in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, B'nai B'rith makes rental apartments available for senior citizens with limited incomes.

A delegation from B'nai B'rith International (“Children of the Covenant”), a Jewish non-governmental organisation of a philanthropic nature founded in 1843, which opposes anti-Semitism in all its forms and promotes human rights, was received in audience by Pope Francis this morning.

B'nai B'rith established contacts with the Holy See following the promulgation of the conciliar declaration Nostra Aetate which, as the Holy Father mentioned, “constituted a milestone on the path of mutual knowledge and esteem between Jews and Catholics, based on the great spiritual patrimony that, thanks be to God, we share in common."

Pope Francis met on June 25 with a delegation from B’nai B’rith International, and expressed his gratitude to predecessors who had advanced friendly ties between Catholics and Jews.The Pope mentioned especially St. John XXIII, who “save many Jews during the Second World War” and sought a document from the Second Vatican Council on inter-faith relations. That document, Nostra Aetate, was “a milestone on the path of mutual knowledge and esteem between Jews and Catholics, based on the great spiritual patrimony that, thanks be to God, we share in common,” the Pontiff said.Next Pope Francis cited the work of St. John Paul II, his dramatic gestures toward Jews, and particularly his visits to the death camp at Auschwitz and the synagogue in Rome.

Pope Francis highlighted today the need for a brave commitment to peace, faced with the conflicts that are affecting the world, especially the Middle East.In a meeting with the Jewish organization B'nai B'rith, the Supreme Pontiff considered that the community and Christians should collaborate with the purpose of achieving peace in that area, as well as other purposes.

After mentioning other possible areas of collaboration, he highlighted that respect for life and human dignity, justice and solidarity.

Francis added that peace does not come all of a sudden. Instead, it should be built day by day, with patience, tenacity and the participation of all the people.

B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin moderated a panel during the 5th Global Forum for Combating Anti-Semitism, offering some remarks on behalf of the organization before introducing the speakers.

Watch his segment below, along with the additional remarks from the six presenters:

Hudson Institute’s Center for Latin American Studies and B’nai B’rith International hosted Hector Schamis, Gustavo Perednik, and Rut Diamint for a discussion about the political and economic challenges facing Argentina.

Citing a litany of nations across the globe guilty of egregious human rights offenses that have not been subjected to international boycotts, renowned jurist Alan Dershowitz lambasted the BDS movement at a B’nai B’rith International ceremony honoring Israeli journalists Monday night.

“Whenever I debate BDS, I always throw out the following challenge to my students all over the world,” Dershowitz told International Jerusalem Post editor Liat Collins in an on-stage interview at Jerusalem’s Van Leer Jerusalem Institute.

“Name a single country in the history of the world faced with internal and external threats comparable to those faced by Israel that has ever had a better record in human rights; a better record with compliance of the rule of law; a better record of concern for civilians?

“I have been asking that question now for 20 years probably to a million people around the world, and I’ve never gotten a single person even to stand up and name a country, because you can’t do it.”

Moreover, Dershowitz argued that the issue is not about BDS in itself, but rather “the singularity of directing that sanction against the most democratic state in the Middle East – one of the most democratic states in the world.”

“Is Israel perfect? Of course not,” he continued. “Were I an Israeli citizen, I’d feel perfectly entitled to be critical of Israel’s polices in many regards, as I am very critical of America’s policies. But to be critical of a country’s policies is not to demand the unique kind of moral capital punishment of BDS.”

Noting that the sophistication of the movement has advanced considerably, Dershowitz emphasized that it is incumbent upon pro-Israel advocates to do more to “prove and demonstrate that those on the side of BDS are not only the wrong side of morality, but of the peace process.”

“The BDS movement is antagonistic to peace,” he told Collins. “It makes it harder for the Palestinians to come to the bargaining table.”

Prior to Dershowitz’s statements, Sam Sokol, The Jerusalem Post’s Jewish World correspondent, was recognized for journalistic excellence at the organization’s annual World Center Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage ceremony.

On April 15, America observed the 150th anniversary of the death of President Abraham Lincoln, and B'nai B'rith International remembered his impact on the then fledgling Jewish community in the United States.

Appearing in the Summer 2015 issue of B'nai B'rith Magazine, staff curator Cheryl A. Kempler examines the recently published book "Lincoln and the Jews: A History" by Jonathan D. Sarna and Benjamin Shapell. Among other things, she highlights B'nai B'rith's early advocacy efforts with the 16th president, and how his actions on behalf of the Jewish community set the tone for Jews in America.

Additionally, B'nai B'rith Magazine editor Eugene L. Meyer critiqued for the Washington Independent Review of Books. He too notes how "the Great Emancipator was a Philo-Semite."

Read excerpts from Kempler and Meyer's reviews of the book and President Lincoln, below:

“More than any previous president,” writes Sarna of Lincoln, “he befriended Jews, defended Jews, and promoted Jewish equality.”On one occasion, Lincoln acceded to the plea of an accused rebel blockade runner to be released from prison. The captive Confederate, J.G. Cohen, was a nephew of Zacharie, Lincoln’s associate. On March 16, 1864, Lincoln instructed the secretary of the Navy, “Let this man take the oath [of loyalty to the Union] of Dec. 8 and be discharged.”

On another occasion, Lincoln allowed Charles Jonas, a Confederate officer and prisoner-of-war who was the son of his old friend Abe Jonas, to be paroled for three weeks “to visit his dying father.”

“I myself have a regard for the Jews,” Lincoln remarked to Henry Wentworth Monk, a self-proclaimed prophet of peace who visited the White House.

After reading this book, I am tempted to declare: I am a Lincoln Republican. Schooled in the Old Testament, Lincoln was given to quoting from it in his formal speeches and on other occasions.

On a carriage ride with his wife the morning before he was fatally shot at Ford’s Theatre, Mary Todd Lincoln later recalled that Lincoln expressed a desire in retirement to travel to the Holy Land. Tragically, he never got his wish. But, fittingly, perhaps, in central Jerusalem, there is Lincoln Street, a crooked road named for the martyred American president.

Just as important, Sarna’s findings open the door to the perception that Lincoln could relate to a variety of Jewish people, from powerful attorneys and civic leaders to local haberdashers and town photographers, not just because he was a politician needing their support but because his ethical beliefs aligned with those of the Jewish religion.

General Ulysses S. Grant’s General Orders Number 11, a decree expelling Jews “as a class” from military areas under his control, was issued after he’d received reports of smugglers and speculators colluding with Confederates.

B’nai B’rith St. Louis Lodge President Isidor Bush, a political supporter of the president, sent a letter to Lincoln protesting the decree. Cesar Kaskel, a businessman and Jewish community leader in Paducah, Ky., telegrammed Lincoln, then met with him in Washington. Lincoln rescinded Grant’s order the next day.

Identified as B’nai B’rith leaders in Lincoln’s concentric circles are Washington-based attorney Simon Wolf, and Bush, who fought for the Union and worked in St. Louis for Lincoln’s election.

Other B’nai B’rith members among Lincoln’s Jewish connections included Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, among a number of clergy who successfully advocated with Lincoln for the appointment of Jewish military chaplains, and Henry Greenebaum, a charter member of Chicago’s Ramah Lodge active in fundraising campaigns for the Union Army.

The B'nai B'rith Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge awards season is under way, and the Delmarva contest winners have been awarded. This was the second year for the contest on Delmarva, which was generously sponsored by Delmarva Power.

The Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge is an education and awareness initiative created by B'nai B'rith International as one of its programs that promote tolerance and communicate a message of equality among all citizens, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation.

Our goal is to destroy prejudices and strengthen the future of our youth through enlightenment, inspiration and education.

The Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge is an education and awareness initiative created by B'nai B'rith International as one of its programs that promote tolerance and communicate a message of equality among all citizens, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation.

Our goal is to destroy prejudices and strengthen the future of our youth through enlightenment, inspiration and education.

At McGraw-Hill Education we know first-hand the power that literacy can have and the importance of teaching tolerance and diversity inside and outside the classroom. Earlier this year we announced an initiative to help B'nai B'rith bring the Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge to Columbus, Ohio -- the home for our K-12 operations.With separate contests already established in major metro areas including New York City and Washington D.C. Metro, Diverse Minds is a writing and illustration contest to encourage K-12 students to celebrate tolerance and diversity. In addition to the wining students receiving a $5,000 scholarship, each contest's winning books are published and also made into e-books available for free download on iTunes and Amazon.This spring student teams from throughout central Ohio submitted their authored and illustrated books for review by a judge's panel including Dan Good, superintendent of Columbus City Schools; Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council; and Cabot Rea, NBC4 anchor and station leader of Battle Against Bullying. The 2015 Columbus region Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge winner was “The Very Special Candy,” written and illustrated by Amanda Ba and Meghan McCloskey from Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio.In addition to promoting Diverse Minds throughout Columbus, McGraw-Hill Education helped raise funds for B'nai B'rith to grow and expand the contest in years to come. School Senior Vice President Lisa Carmona also acknowledged the student winners during the awards ceremony, speaking on the importance of tolerance and literacy in today's ever-connected education environment.McGraw-Hill Education partners with students and educators around the world to create solutions that can accommodate learning needs and preferences that are as diverse as the people who use them each day. We're proud to help support theDiverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge and spread its positive message that inspires student creativity and literacy awareness.

McGraw-Hill Education Partners With B'nai B'rith to Bring Diversity writing challenge to Columbus High School Students.

Last week, McGraw-Hill Education partnered with B’nai B’rith International to host the first Columbus Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge. Ten students from Olentangy Orange, New Albany and Westerville Central high schools were finalists in the children’s book writing and illustration contest. Winning students were recognized during a ceremony at the Thurber House.Olentangy Orange students Amanda Ba and Meghan McCloskey took home first place.Earlier this year B'nai B'rith approached McGraw-Hill about sponsoring the contest in Columbus. More than 800 McGraw-Hill employees are based in Columbus, one of the largest locations companywide. “We were so blown away by this. They’ve been doing it for nine years now in a bunch of cities across the country. It was very impressive,” says Dan Sieger, vice president of corporate communications and marketing for McGraw-Hill Education. The competition’s focus on diversity and tolerance appealed to McGraw-Hill, Sieger says.“We understand how important is is to teach diversity in the classroom. We’ve seen first-hand the difference that diversity education can make for young people. We know how being creative and creating your own product matters for young people,” says Sieger. “In the end, that’s why we want to support like-minded organizations.”The company will also sponsor the B’nai B’rith Distinguished Achievement Awards dinner in New York on Thursday.

For Columbus’ inaugural event, B’nai B’rith worked in partnership with McGraw-Hill Education. This education and awareness initiative was created as part of B’nai B’rith programming that promotes tolerance and communicates a message of equality among all citizens.

The finalists and winners were recognized and congratulated by McGraw-Hill Education senior vice president Lisa Carmona and B’nai B’rith International board of governors member Peter Perlman.

In addition, Ba and McCloskey’s teacher, who oversaw the creation of their winning book, will receive a $500 stipend to use for classroom or organizational materials. Olentangy Orange High School will also receive a $500 grant.

Judges this year included: Dan Good, superintendent of Columbus City Schools, Ohio’s largest school district; Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council; and Cabot Rea, NBC4 anchor and leader of the news station’s Battle Against Bullying initiative.